We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Programs for Sports We Found the 10 Best Basketballs for Indoor and Outdoor Play From indoor league games to outdoor pickup games, these balls will help you play your best By Jack Byram Updated on July 17, 2024 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT Print In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Indoor vs. Outdoor Basketballs What to Look For How We Selected Our Experts Why Trust Verywell Fit Verywell Fit / David Hattan Dribbling, shooting, and making that perfect swish come down to choosing the right ball. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, the basketball you choose can significantly impact your performance. And not all balls are created equal, says basketball coach Keith Miniscalco. Factors like grip, bounce, and durability play a pivotal role in how a ball functions. To find the best basketballs on the market, we first spoke with experts to learn which key features players of all skill levels should look for. Then, we researched dozens of options from top, trusted sports brands. We evaluated each ball's material, durability, grip, diameter, and design. We also had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article for accuracy, including the best way to evaluate indoor and outdoor basketballs. Indoor vs. Outdoor Basketballs Not all basketballs are crafted with the same purpose in mind. Depending on their design and materials, they fall into one of three categories: Indoor basketballs: Balls designed exclusively for indoor use are typically constructed from real or composite leather. This results in a grippier ball that feels nice to the touch, but these balls are generally less durable when exposed to the hasher conditions of outdoor play. Outdoor basketballs: Typically made from rubber, outdoor balls are more durable and resilient to handle harsher play on concrete and dirt and in various weather conditions. These basketballs are often bouncier than their indoor counterparts. Indoor-outdoor basketballs: Many basketballs are versatile enough for both indoor and outdoor use. Importantly, indoor-outdoor basketballs typically feature designs that are suitable for outdoor play (like a rubber construction). This implies that most outdoor basketballs can be comfortably used indoors, but the reverse may not hold true. Our Top Picks Best Overall: SALE Wilson NBA Authentic Series Basketball at Amazon $40 $33 Jump to Review Best Budget: Champion Sports Pro Style Basketball at Amazon $13 Jump to Review Best Indoor: Wilson Evolution Game Basketball at Amazon $80 Jump to Review Best Outdoor: Spalding Marble Series Outdoor Basketball at Amazon $20 Jump to Review Best for Training: Baden SkilCoach Shooter's Rubber Basketball at Amazon $20 Jump to Review Best Design: Chance Premium Rubber Outdoor / Indoor Basketball at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best for Water Basketball: Dunnrite Products Pool/Water Basketball at Amazon $19 Jump to Review Best for Young Kids: Spalding Rookie Gear Youth Indoor-Outdoor Basketball at Amazon $25 Jump to Review Best for Older Kids: Wilson NCAA Killer Crossover Basketball at Amazon $21 Jump to Review Most Durable: SALE Franklin Sports Grip-Rite 1000 Basketball at Amazon $25 $20 Jump to Review Best Overall Wilson NBA Authentic Series Basketball PHOTO: Amazon $40 $33 at Amazon $46 at Walmart $46 at Dicks Sporting Goods Pros Pebbled texture for sweat wicking Indoor and outdoor Inflation retention lining Cons Slightly thinner than others Key Specs Use: Indoor-outdoor | Diameter: 27.5 inches | Materials: Composite leather Who It’s For Best if you want a top, trusted ball that can withstand indoor and outdoor use. Why We Love It As the NBA's official ball, it is no surprise that Wilson’s NBA Authentic Indoor Outdoor Basketball is our top choice. What makes this product stand out, besides its professionally trusted credibility, is that it’s suitable for indoor and outdoor play. With an inflation retention lining, this ball can withstand the elements. The composite leather lining not only feels nice but delivers reliable durability. Plus, the seams and channels that wrap this ball are designed with modern shooting in mind, offering maximum grip and control. And a micro-pebbled surface texture wicks away sweat for more consistency during playtime. Potential Flaws This ball is designed for indoor and outdoor play but is thinner than balls exclusively built for outdoor use, so we recommend storing it inside between games for better durability. Best Budget Champion Sports Pro Style Basketball PHOTO: Amazon $13 at Amazon $13 at Walmart Pros Available in several colors and sizes Indoor and outdoor Great air retention Cons Requires inflation Key Specs Use: Indoor-outdoor | Diameter: 23, 27.5, 28.5, 29.5, or 35 inches | Materials: Rubber Who It’s For Best for all-level players on a budget who play inside and outside. Why We Love It A cost-effective choice, Champion Sports’ Pro Style Basketball maintains performance comparable to more expensive alternatives. It boasts a rubber composite cover that effectively handles hardwood and pavement for indoor and outdoor play. Inside, a two-ply butyl bladder enhances air retention for reliable bounces, dribbles, and shots. Another thing we love about this basketball is that it’s available in many different colors and sizes, so you can find the right fit for your style and skill. Fun color options like yellow, green, purple, and blue not only cater to personal preferences but also make this a great choice for adults and kids alike. Potential Flaws The ball requires inflation, which can be a hassle if you don’t already have a pump. Best Indoor Wilson Evolution Game Basketball PHOTO: Amazon $80 at Amazon $80 at Walmart $80 at Dicks Sporting Goods Pros Soft cover Available in several colors and sizes Excellent grip Cons Only suitable for indoor usage Key Specs Use: Indoor | Diameter: 27.5, 28.5, or 29.5 inches | Materials: Microfiber composite Who It’s For Best for serious players seeking an indoor-only basketball for court games and competitive leagues. Why We Love It With a microfiber composite cover and pebbled channels, Wilson’s Evolution Basketball offers a unique player-friendly feel that combines exceptional grip with reliable durability—making it the best indoor option on the market. While the pebbled texture enhances control and wicks away sweat, a cushioned core ensures a soft and comfy touch. Holding its spot as the top indoor ball nationwide, it is also endorsed by the National Federation of of State High School Associations. And we love that this trustworthy and professionally backed option is available in several color and size options to support every type of indoor player. Potential Flaws At its higher price point, we wish this ball was durable enough for outdoor play. Still, if you’re a competitive indoor player, this choice is hard to beat. Best Outdoor Spalding Marble Series Outdoor Basketball PHOTO: Walmart $20 at Amazon $32 at Walmart $20 at Target Pros Unique design Comes inflated Deep channels for maximum grip Cons May need additional inflation Key Specs Use: Outdoor | Diameter: 28.5 or 29.5 inches | Materials: Rubber Who It’s For Best for outdoor basketball players looking to add fun and flair to the court. Why We Love It Featuring a tough cover designed explicitly for rigorous play, Spalding’s Marble Series Basketball provides a durable yet comfy feel, earning it our top spot for outdoor basketball. Not only can the durable rubber material handle asphalt and concrete, but deep channels deliver a reliable grip for optimal control. Adding to the fun of street basketball, this ball departs from conventional looks with a distinctive marble print that varies for each ball. It adds a stylish flair and unique character to the courts. Plus, we love that this ball comes pre-filled, letting you hit the courts immediately. Potential Flaws Although the ball comes inflated, some players find that you need to add additional air before serious play. Best for Training Baden SkilCoach Shooter's Rubber Basketball PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon $20 at Walmart $20 at Dicks Sporting Goods Pros Wound core Teaches hand placement Indoor and outdoor Cons May wear down over time May require additional inflation Key Specs Use: Indoor-outdoor | Diameter: 27.5 or 28.5 inches | Materials: Rubber Who It’s For Best for children and beginners who are learning the fundamentals of shooting hand position. Why We Love It Baden’s SkilCoach Basketball is specifically designed to help children or beginner-level players with their game skills. The ball’s surface features two vibrant red handprint outlines to guide players through proper hand placement. On the inside, a wound core ensures air retention and allows for indoor and outdoor games. We love that this ball is designed to accommodate both right- and left-handed dominant pitchers. Acquiring just one ball can be highly effective for an entire team, emphasizing practicality and value. Potential Flaws Since this ball is designed for beginners, it may wear down after a few months of rigorous play. At that time, we recommend moving on to intermediate-level basketballs. The ball may deflate over time, so you may want to purchase a pump. Best Design Chance Premium Rubber Outdoor / Indoor Basketball PHOTO: Dick's Sporting Goods $30 at Amazon $30 at Dicks Sporting Goods View on Wearechance.com Pros Available in several colors and sizes Deep channels for maximum grip Great air retention Cons Requires inflation Key Specs Use: Indoor-outdoor | Diameter: 27.5, 28.5, or 29.5 inches | Materials: Rubber Who It’s For Best for young or beginners interested in the game, as well as casual pick-up players who want to add some fun to the court. Why We Love It With multiple color patterns and designs, Chance’s Premium Design Basketball adds some fun and flair to your game. It comes in an array of vibrant colors and patterns, including speckled green, orange camo, black multicolor, pink, and more. Beyond its eye-catching designs, this ball features a premium rubber that’s durable enough for indoor and outdoor play. Meanwhile, a pebble pattern and deep channels promote better grip and control. Plus, it’s available in 27.5-, 28.5-, and 29.5-inch options and comes with a butyl bladder for maximum air retention. Potential Flaws This ball comes deflated and will require a pump. Best for Water Basketball Dunnrite Products Pool/Water Basketball PHOTO: Amazon $19 at Amazon $18 at Walmart Pros Available in several sizes Waterproof Dimpled texture enhances grip Cons Requires inflation Key Specs Use: Outdoor | Diameter: 7.75 or 8 inches | Materials: Not listed Who It’s For Best for families with kids of every age who want to take their game to the pool. Why We Love It When it comes to pool basketball, it’s no surprise that anti-slip materials are crucial for the ball you choose. We like Dunnrite’s Water Basketball because it features a dimpled texture specifically designed to enhance grip when your hands are wet. Plus, the ball itself is completely waterproof. Beyond its waterproofing, this basketball is a smaller size than most, making it ideal for young children to participate in a game of family fun. Available in both 7.75-inch and 8-inch options, even players with especially tiny hands can handle the ball. Plus, it sports a playful blue and white pattern, adding to its appeal. Potential Flaws This basketball doesn’t come inflated, so you will need a pump to get started. Best for Young Kids Spalding Rookie Gear Youth Indoor-Outdoor Basketball PHOTO: Amazon $25 $23 at Amazon View on Spalding.com Pros Indoor and outdoor 15% lighter than traditional balls Enhances control Cons Costly for size Key Specs Use: Indoor-outdoor | Diameter: 27.5 inches | Materials: Composite Who It’s For Best for young children starting on their basketball journey for the first time. Why We Love It Available in a youth size 5, measuring 27.5 inches in diameter, Spalding’s Youth Basketball is one of the smallest options on our list (besides the pool basketball). It’s also 15% lighter than most balls, helping small hands get accommodated to gripping the ball. We love this option for younger children just getting started with their basketball game. A composite cover makes this ball durable enough for indoor and outdoor play, while the textured surface adds grip and control. Plus, it comes in several kid-friendly colors and patterns to meet every small player’s personal preference. It also arrives pre-filled with air, which is always a plus for immediate fun. Potential Flaws For a small youth basketball, this option is quite pricey, but we think it’s worth the money for its indoor and outdoor versatility and durability. Best for Older Kids Wilson NCAA Killer Crossover Basketball PHOTO: Amazon $21 at Amazon $28 at Walmart View on Wilson.com Pros Available in several sizes Great air retention Excellent grip Cons May require additional inflation Key Specs Use: Indoor-outdoor | Diameter: 27.5, 28.5, or 29.5 inches | Materials: Rubber Who It’s For Best for older children, ages 9 and up, who are easing into a full-sized ball. Why We Love It Available in sizes 5, 6, and 7 (27.5, 28.5, and 29.5 inches), Wilson’s NCAA Killer Crossover Basketball is a solid choice for older children advancing in the sport. The size 5 is suitable for kids aged 8 and under, the size 6 caters to ages 9 to 11, and the size 7 is ideal for ages 12 and up. Structurally, this ball features an internal rubber construction with an inflation-retention lining for durability and reliability. Its tacky, peddled grip and deep channels ensure optimal control for any level on all courts. We also love that the ball comes in several color options, adding a fun element for kids (even as they grow older). Potential Flaws Though it comes inflated, you may need to add some extra air before you start playing. Most Durable Franklin Sports Grip-Rite 1000 Basketball PHOTO: Amazon $25 $20 at Amazon $28 $20 at Walmart View on Franklinsports.com Pros Durable Deep channels for grip Fun colors Cons Not as much bounce as other options Key Specs Use: Indoor-outdoor | Diameter: 27.5, 28.5, or 29.5 inches | Materials: Rubber Who It’s For Best if you play a lot of outdoor basketball. Why We Love It Crafted with top-quality rubber and a robust polyester winding, Franklin Sports’ Grip-Rite Basketball is designed to endure rigorous outdoor use. Beyond its durability, this ball boasts deep channeling for enhanced grip and control on asphalt, hardwood floors, and more. Available in vibrant color combinations like red and black, lime and black, and more, this basketball offers a fun flair. The several styles and size options also suit youth and adult players. Potential Flaws Some players note that this ball doesn’t offer as much bounce as other options. What to Look for When Shopping for Basketballs Size: The appropriate size for a basketball typically varies based on age and skill level. When selecting a basketball for a young child just starting, opt for a small ball about 27.5 inches in diameter. For adults, the most common sizes are 27.5, 28.5, and 29.5 inches in diameter. Men’s collegiate and NBA players use a 29.5-inch ball, while the standard size for women’s collegiate and WNBA play is 28.5 inches. Materials: The outer surface of most basketballs is crafted from either rubber or composite leather. Rubber balls, being lighter and more durable than their leather counterparts, prove to be a superior choice for outdoor use, says Greg Kot, former co-owner and coach at Over the Edge travel basketball. Conversely, for competitive indoor games, leather balls are highly recommended, he adds. Grip: Finding a ball with a good grip is essential for strength, accuracy, and proper form during passing and shooting, Miniscalco says. It’s also important to help with control while dribbling. When shopping, look for balls that incorporate channeling—strategically placed grooves on the surface—as this significantly improves grip. Bounce: When shopping, you want to find a ball with a solid and consistent bounce. The bounce is determined by the inflation level and the amount of force a player exerts, says Miniscalco, adding that bounce consistency is important for control. It’s always a good idea to test out a few dribbles and passes before serious gameplay to ensure the ball delivers a satisfying bounce. Durability: If you plan to use the ball mostly outdoors, go for one that's seriously tough—able to handle unforgiving surfaces like concrete and asphalt, and not fazed by dirt, rocks, or a bit of moisture. A rubber ball is the way to go for outdoor fun. Cheaper outdoor balls may break down sooner, so investing in one built to last is a good call. The difference between indoor and outdoor basketballs. Michelle Parente How We Selected the Best Basketballs To find the best basketballs, we researched dozens of options and carefully reviewed product specifications. When narrowing down our list, we consider these key categories: Materials: We included balls crafted from various materials to accommodate both indoor and outdoor play for ballers of all levels. However, most of the options on our list are comprised of rubber and composite leather, the top choices for high-quality basketballs. Size: Next, we checked each ball's size, making sure to include options for players of all ages and skill levels. Considering regulation sizing, we also prioritized collegiate- and professional-level balls. Grip: We then consider grip by using player reviews and examining each option's channeling and texture. Do the reviews note that the ball maintains grip well even after continual outdoor usage? We wanted to ensure that the balls were not just durable but also maintained their integrity, no matter the circumstances.Durability: Since the balls on our list are designed for personal use, we prioritized options that could endure extensive play in various environments, conducting thorough research to identify choices capable of meeting the demands of both indoor and outdoor settings. Our Experts We engaged with experts at every stage of the research and recommendation process for this story. Both of these basketball coaches helped us better understand the distinctive features that set various basketballs apart. While our final selections are independent, these experts served as a guiding force in our decision-making process. Keith Miniscalco, basketball coach and owner of OTE Travel Basketball Greg Kot, former co-owner and coach at Over the Edge travel basketball Zach Leach, basketball coach and NBA skills trainer at Hoop Lab Why Trust Verywell Fit Jack Byram is a writer for Verywell Fit who specializes in health, wellness, and exercise-related products. He has written numerous articles covering home gym equipment, running sneakers, and more. As a former basketball player, he has played with and tested many different kinds of basketballs, both in competitive and recreational settings, indoors and outdoors. His discerning insights into different materials, grips, and bounces, acquired through practical testing, contribute significantly to the depth and reliability of this article. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit